
Natural History Museum
Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?
The world-renowned Natural History Museum in London has unveiled a major new exhibition, Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?, which opened to the public in May 2025. At the heart of this ambitious exploration of one of humanity’s oldest questions – Are we alone in the universe? – are three extraordinary immersive experiences, designed and installed by Sarner International.
Location
London, UKServices
- Concept Design & Visualisation - Architectural & MEP Coordination - Scheme & Detailed Design - Project Engineering & Technical Design - Interior Design, Set and Staging Design - Lighting, Audio, Video, Network Design - Writing & Content Development - Media & Film Production - Audiovisual & Interactive Technologies - Graphics - Lighting - Theming - Show Control Specification - Show Programming - Technical Installation & Commissioning - Special effects - Construction & Installation - Support & Maintenance - Training - Consultancy
Client's brief
Today, there is more evidence than ever before that life could exist beyond our planet. Planetary scientists are uncovering the building blocks of life on asteroids, while missions to Mars continue to reveal tantalising hints of a once-habitable past. New telescopes are discovering thousands of exoplanets, fuelling the emerging sciences of astrobiology and speculative evolution. Although no definitive proof of extraterrestrial life has yet been found, the possibility remains real – and this exhibition brings that frontier of discovery vividly to life.
Aimed at adults as well as families with children aged nine and above, the brief for the immersive installations was to bring the mysteries of space closer to visitors, engaging them on an emotional and reflective level. Rather than relying on text or literal scenic recreations, the experiences adopt an artistic approach in line with the broader exhibition’s design aesthetic – clean, modern, and thought-provoking.

Our solution
Developed in close collaboration with the Museum’s in-house team, these immersive experiences serve as the dramatic anchor points of the visitor journey – inspiring curiosity and emotional engagement, while complementing the exhibition’s rich scientific content.
Delivered on a turnkey basis and designed with sensitivity to the Museum’s historic gallery setting, the project drew on our in-house design, audiovisual, and special effects expertise to create immersive experiences that are both visually impactful and technically robust – reliable, easy to operate, and straightforward to maintain throughout the exhibition’s run.
In line with the Natural History Museum’s values, every element of Sarner’s design followed the highest sustainability standards. Using the most environmentally responsible techniques and materials available, the installations minimise ecological impact while underscoring the exhibition’s deeper message: that Earth is still the only known home to life, and protecting it is paramount.
Features

Origins of Life




Mars

